CVE-2016-5157 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the opj_dwt_interleave_v function in dwt.c in OpenJPEG, as used in PDFium in Google Chrome before 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted coordinate values in JPEG 2000 data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-5157 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting OpenJPEG library components within Google Chrome's PDFium implementation. This flaw exists in the opj_dwt_interleave_v function located in the dwt.c file, which processes discrete wavelet transform operations during JPEG 2000 image decoding. The vulnerability manifests when processing crafted coordinate values within JPEG 2000 data streams, creating conditions where attacker-controlled input can overflow heap memory allocations. The affected versions of Chrome include those prior to 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X platforms, and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux systems, demonstrating the widespread impact across multiple operating environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent memory management characteristics of the discrete wavelet transform processing within JPEG 2000 decoding. When the opj_dwt_interleave_v function receives malformed coordinate data, it fails to properly validate input boundaries before performing memory operations, leading to unauthorized memory writes beyond allocated buffer limits. This heap corruption creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution, as attackers can manipulate memory layout to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in memory-intensive operations. The attack vector requires remote code execution through crafted JPEG 2000 content embedded in PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous in web browsing environments where users may encounter malicious content without explicit warnings.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5157 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities within the context of the Chrome browser process. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the PDFium component specifically, which handles PDF document rendering and image processing, making it particularly dangerous for web-based document viewing scenarios. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage containing crafted PDF content, making it suitable for drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability's presence in multiple operating systems demonstrates the cross-platform nature of the threat, requiring coordinated patching efforts across different platforms. Security researchers have classified this as a high-severity issue due to its remote exploitability and potential for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5157 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Chrome versions to the patched releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should prioritize updating their Chrome installations to versions 53.0.2785.89 or later on Windows and OS X, and 53.0.2785.92 or later on Linux systems. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking known malicious JPEG 2000 content. Browser security configurations should include disabling JavaScript execution for PDF content when possible, as this reduces attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular third-party library updates, as OpenJPEG components should be kept current with security patches. Organizations should implement monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as the heap corruption may produce detectable patterns in memory access patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing measures and privilege separation for browser processes to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for browser components and third-party libraries, as unpatched systems remain vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. The incident underscores the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include automated patch deployment and regular security assessments of browser components and their underlying libraries.